Magnesium (Serum) During Pregnancy

BabyMed Newsletter

What is Magnesium? Magnesium is consumed via food and excreted by the kidneys. The blood test is commonly ordered if calcium or potassium levels were lower than normal on a previous blood test. High and low magnesium levels could be a sign of an underlying problem. Too much means kidneys are excreting too much magnesium or the intestines are not absorbing enough magnesium.

Magnesium deficiency is more common than elevated levels, though elevated levels can be found when IV magnesium is used as a medical treatment. Chronic low levels of magnesium could cause potassium and calcium levels to fall.

Conditions that may be associated with abnormal magnesium levels include diabetes and kidney disorders. Patients may present with muscle weakness, tremors, seizures or recurring muscle cramps.